SANTA ANA – A 33-year-old Santa Ana man was charged Monday with soliciting the murder of his ex-wife amidst a bitter child support and custody battle involving their 4-year-old daughter.

William John Wallace was arrested Saturday morning following an undercover Orange County Sheriff’s Department sting operation, Deputy District Attorney Heather Brown said. The arrest was made in Santa Ana, sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Hallock said.

Wallace, who had a plane ticket to travel to England on Thursday, said he wanted his ex-wife killed while he was out of the country so he would have an alibi, Brown alleged.

Wallace hired a private investigator in August to dig up dirt on his ex- wife that could be used against her in court, the prosecutor alleged. The following month, Wallace started saying he wanted the victim killed and then asked the investigator in October if he knew of anyone who could kill the woman and dispose of the body, Brown alleged.

The private investigator alerted law enforcement, who set up a sting, Brown said.

Wallace met with an undercover detective and was arrested about 7 a.m. Saturday after he allegedly said he would pay $30,000 to have the victim killed and her body disposed of, Brown said.

Before arresting Wallace, the detective told him “Merry Christmas” and he responded, “I hope she has a Merry Christmas,” referring to the victim, Brown alleged.

Wallace, who is charged with premeditated attempted murder and two counts of solicitation to commit murder, faces up to 26 years to life in prison if convicted, the prosecutor said.